Hyderabad: 3 held in Jayaram case, politicos’ role suspected

The investigators have given a questionnaire to the five police officials who were reportedly linked to prime accused Rakesh Reddy.

The police has so far arrested Rakesh Reddy, his driver Srinivas, V. Vishal, N. Nagesh and L. Subhash Reddy in connection with the murder of Jayaram.

Hyderabad: The Jubilee Hills police arrested three more persons in connection with the murder of NRI businessman Ch Jayaram on Thursday, on charges of cheating, illegal confinement and concealing of offence.

The investigators have given a questionnaire to the five police officials who were reportedly linked to prime accused Rakesh Reddy. He is found to have links with politicians from Andhra Pradesh, and had allegedly used their names for extortion.

The three persons arrested on Thursday were identified as film actor Chikalta Surya Prasad, 30, his friend and assistant director Modugula Kishore, 28, and realtor K. Anji Reddy, 49.

West Zone DCP A.R. Srinivas said that two days before the murder of Jayaram, Rakesh Reddy met Surya and Kishore at Gachibowli and took them to Jayaram’s house in Jubilee Hills. Rakesh Reddy instructed them to pick up Jayaram at Jubilee Hills Club and take him to his (Rakesh’s) house on January 30.

“Rakesh told Surya and Kishore to tell Jayaram that one Veena was waiting for him. Kishore informed Jayaram and they went to Rakesh Reddy’s house while Rakesh and Surya followed them,” he said.

“Anji Reddy, who has land dealings with Rakesh Reddy went to the latter’s house. He introduced Anji Reddy to Jayaram on January 30. The next morning, Anji saw Jayaram’s body but he mum. Rakesh also gave stamp papers and blank papers to Anji Reddy, on which Jayaram’s signature was taken.”

The DCP said that Rakesh Reddy was involved in extortion and had used the names of Telugu Desam and Congress politicians to threaten businessmen and even managers of female film actors for favours.

“In December 2017, Rakesh threatened the owners of Pragati Resorts taking the name of politicians and forcibly got 20,000 sq yards of land written in the name of his benami, one Bhudevi, who works as a maid, and 3.1 acres of land at another place. Rakesh wanted to sell 500 sq yards at Pragati Resorts to Anji Reddy, for which he was called to the house. We strongly suspect that Rakesh would have involved in other extortion cases,” said Mr Srinivas.

The police has so far arrested Rakesh Reddy, his driver Srinivas, V. Vishal, N. Nagesh and L. Subhash Reddy in connection with the murder of Jayaram.

Mr Srinivas said a questionnaire consisting of about 30 questions was given to the five police officers who were allegedly linked to the prime accused of the murder case Rakesh Reddy.

The case registered against Shrika Chowdary, the niece of Jayaram, for trespassing into his house and taking away some documents is under investigation. She would be arrested in that case soon, but definitely, her role has not been found in the murder case.

Regarding the involvement of some politicians in Andhra Pradesh, the DCP said, “We got to know that Rakesh has acquaintance with several politicians from the TD and Congress. We are not sure whether he has called anybody. We will look into that and if find we anybody’s involvement, they will be treated as per the law.”

The DCP said that Rakesh Reddy had threatened managers of several female film actors and film personalities, claiming that he had good contacts, and pressurised them to encourage film actresses to extend sexual favours to him. It appears to have not worked out. No complaint was received in this regard yet.
“We will pursue it if anybody lodges a complaint,” the DCP said.